This commentary is by Caitlin MacLeod-Bluver of Moretown. She is the 2025 Vermont Teacher of the Year and teaches English and history at Winooski High School.
On Monday, I sat in the Senate chamber and watched a senator sleep through one of the most consequential bills in recent Vermont history. Then, I sat on the Statehouse lawn with my two young children, livestreaming the House hastily doing a voice vote, where many representatives appeared surprised by what they had just done.
Earlier in the day, I spoke with many representatives who did not recognize the complexities of H.454: they did not understand the implications for small schools like the one I will send my children to, they did not understand the consequences of what this would mean to lose our unique Winooski School District, nor did they recognize that public funds will continue to be fettered to private schools which lack the same accountability as public schools.
As a teacher, I pride myself on holding students to high-quality standards for their work. I do not ask my students to rush through their assignments. I ask them to take their time, consider multiple perspectives, share with stakeholders, receive feedback, and revise, revise, and revise. Why are our lawmakers not doing the same?
I also teach my students that their voice matters; that in a democracy, they have representatives that represent their interests. This message rings hollow when they see it not fulfilled. My own senator, Sen. Cummings, did not respond to a single email from me and stated publicly she “stopped doing emails when [she] didn’t feel I could bleed anymore.” Sen. Baruth, representing Winooski where I teach, did not engage in dialogue with our school district once.
In the days and weeks leading up to the consequential vote, we heard again and again from lawmakers that passing something is better than nothing and that taxpayers want tax relief.
First, passing something that is rushed and does not promote equity, affordability, or quality schools is not indeed better than nothing. In my classroom, I mark work like this with a “NY”: not yet. Try again.
Second, taxpayers do indeed want tax relief, and the bill that Gov. Scott, Democrats and Republicans are celebrating does not provide it. Shame on our governor for putting us in this position and shame on everyone who followed suit.
In the coming weeks and months, there will be many small committees tasked with big decisions that will impact every student in our state, and thus play a lasting role in our state as a whole. I ask our lawmakers to think critically about the same questions I ask my students to think about: Whose voices are being heard? Whose voices are not at the table? How do these decisions affect the most vulnerable in our community?
Chances are, once again, teachers and students will not be there. A student texted me after the House voted for the bill, asking eagerly what happened. When she learned the fate of H.454 her response was plain and clear: “When has the government ever been on the side of education or the side of students’ like me?”
So lawmakers, please prove her wrong. Please let her know that you are on her side. Decisions that impact her future, that will destroy her district and the unique aspects of Winooski, are now in your hands, sadly.
And to everyone who cares deeply for public education, please stay engaged and keep fighting. My two children, who played on the state lawn before later holding protest signs against ICE, now associate the “golden dome” with making decisions that “hurt our school.” Our young people are always watching; show them that you care about their future.
